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4 December 2024

A ‘robust and multifaceted approach’ to innovation has seen St Columba’s School, Elwood, named a 5-Star Innovative School by The Educator, one of only ‘41 of the country’s most forward-thinking schools’.

For Principal Daniella Maddalena, the school’s success has come from ‘embedding a comprehensive STEM program alongside a sustainability and student empowerment initiative’.

The school’s initiatives include: 

• a comprehensive STEM program, which includes coding, robotics and 3D printing
• the Eco Warriors program, which empowers students to take on roles and address environmental needs through hands-on activities
• the Energy Savers program, which promotes sustainable practices and global awareness, where students monitor energy usage and implement energy-saving measures
• the Loose Parts Collection and Resource Shop, which encourages creativity and resourcefulness, as students collect and repurpose loose parts for projects
• community engagement through outreach and community service projects to foster a sense of civic responsibility.

The impact of St Columba’s School’s innovative initiatives goes beyond the school and into the community. STEM Leader Rachael Bulcock explains:

‘One area where we have innovated that often goes unrecognised is our local environmental achievements. This accolade signifies not only our commitment to reducing resource use and achieving cost savings, but also our integration of sustainability into the curriculum and our active sharing of sustainability practices with the broader community.’

Through its work, the leadership team at St Columba’s School is enabling the students to flourish and enrich the world, and setting a benchmark for schools around the country to aspire to. ‘The 5-Star Innovative Schools of 2024 are at the forefront of change and were recognised for their contributions to reshaping the future of education.’